Poetry

Remembrance

A poem

Photo by Motaz Azaiza

Palestinian child

Today I watched you lifeless in your grandfather’s arm.

I kept watching.

Searching for a breath, a finger twitch, a blink.

Nothing.

Palestinian child

Your life means so much.

Yet the bombs knew your name before we ever could.

We bear witness to your pain.

You have been etched into the memories of my brain.

Your innocence taken by the sins of a genocide.

I’ve shed tears for you.

Yet, your grandfather and family carry a grief unknown to most and a wound that will never fully heal.

Palestinian child

Your life mattered.

I promise to let the world know what I’ve seen.

Until my voice breaks to match my heart.

From the depths of my soul, I will continue to scream…

From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.